The House of Representatives has conferred the Congressional Medal of Distinction to Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach for giving the Philippines its third Miss Universe crown after 42 years.

House Resolution 2583, adopted by the chamber last Jan. 18, 2016, confers the Medal to Wurtzbach for being “a source of pride and inspiration to the Filipino people” and “truly worthy of praise and emulation, especially among the youth.”

"Miss Wurtzbach's achievement is a strong testament to her passion and commitment. Through hard work and determination, she was able to overcome tremendous obstacles in order to achieve her dream of winning the most prestigious pageant in the world," the resolution said.

The resolution also said that Wurtzbach  “is the epitome of the modern Filipina women - dignified, intelligent, strong, gracious and magnanimous.”

Wurtzbach won the Miss Universe 2015 title on Dec. 20, 2015, besting 79 other delegates to the 64th Miss Universe pageant held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.  The last time that the Philippines bagged the prestigious crown was in 1973, when Margie Moran won, and in 1969, when Gloria Diaz became the first Miss Universe from the Philippines.

In her brief message before receiving her medal, Wurtzbach said she was elated to be at the House of Representatives and with the country's lawmakers.

"I know that our country is always foremost in your mind when legislating laws. On that note, we have the same inspiration - the Philippines. So let's continue to be confidently working with a heart for the Filipino people," said Wurtzbach.